Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys!

Lately my baby Noodles has been getting really nasty. About 2 weeks ago I changed his tank to a 40 breeder so that he has a much larger living space. With that - he has gotten really aggressive. When I go to pick him up durning the day 9 times out of 10 he puffs up at me. At night, I think hes just too tired and doesnt do it. Also today, I was letting him run around on me, and he ran off of me onto my couch - when I went near him (which I never "run" up to him, I'm always very gentle), he puffed up and opened his mouth up at me as wide as he could! Maybe I'm being silly, but its really upsetting me. This is the same lizard that would always sleep on me and be so passive. Any advice or comments as to why he's turned in this direction.

A very distressed mommy!
Kerri

I have the same problem with my baby. He is 6 months old, so I guess he isn't a baby anymore, he is more of a juvi. Anyway, since we moved him to a 40gallon breeder, he runs from my hand or puffs up and gapes his mouth open. He used to be so easy to handle. Now, when we have him out for a while, he is really passive for the first 5 or so minutes, then he takes off. When you try to catch him, he kind of rares up at me. I don't know if it is normal or not either. Wish I knew...Hopefully someone will answer both of our questions.

Has the position of the cage changed? Dragons don't like to be picked up from above, since most predadors swoop down on them, so if the cage is lower than it used to be he could be nervous. He probably just needs time to adjust to his new cage. I'm sure he will settle back down and be friendly again shortly, my adult dragon is handled fairly infrequently and she is always friendly when she is handled.
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Often as they mature, they go through an aggressive period.....sometimes triggered by a shed, a change of room, location in your or tank.....sometimes they just do. Continue to handle them and as they mature, they will settle down and most will be sweet and cuddly once again as adults.
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Tracey
Tracey's Beardies
www.beardiecrazy.com

My Dino did the same thing the other day. He is 4 mos. old, 13" long and getting huge. I moved him to his permanent home, a 65 gallon tank. When I brought him downstairs Saturday, his body got really flat, and when I looked him in the face, he puffed out that black beard and hissed at me! I brought him back upstairs and put him back in his enclosure. 2 minutes later, I went to check on him, and noticed he had pooed. I think I just "interupted" him!

I think a lot of it has to do with coming at him from above. I had a problem like that with one of my dragons when she was approximately the same age. I think they jut get a little bit nervous, especially since you have moved him to a new environment. Remember, a beardies instinct tells it that things coming at it from the air are intersted in eating it! Then in order to look aggressive they puff up their oh-so-intimidating (at least they think so) beards to try to scare away the predator! Try to not make any sudden movements when you are trying to take him out of his cage and give him a little time to re-adjust to his new surroundings. I don't have problems with Baby Dragon (great name, huh?!) anymore except when she goes outside for some sun, then she gets pretty nervous and has to stay close to Mommy!